Speech audiometry in noise: SNR Loss per age-group in normal hearing subjects

The present study aimed to determine normal SNR values per age group for the 50% speech reception threshold in noise (SNR Loss) on the VRB (Vocale Rapide dans le Bruit: rapid speech in noise) test.Two hundred patients underwent pure-tone threshold and VRB speech-in-noise audiometry. Six ages groups were distinguished: 20-30, 30-40, 40-50, 50-60, 60-70 and>70 years. All subjects had normal hearing for age according to ISO 7029. SNR Loss was measured according to age group.Mean SNR Loss ranged from -0.37dB in the youngest age group (20-30 years) to +6.84dB in the oldest (>70 years). Range and interquartile range increased with age: 3.66 and 1.49dB respectively for 20-30 year-olds; 6 and 3.5dB for>70 year-olds. Linear regression between SNR Loss and age showed a coefficient R2 of 0.83.The present study reports SNR Loss values per age group in normal-hearing subjects (ISO 7029), confirming that SNR Loss increases with age. Scatter also increased with age, suggesting that other age-related factors combine with inner-ear aging to impair hearing in noise.